Daily GK Update- 20th April, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NITI Aayog to launch National Data and Analytics Platform: In May, the NITI Aayog plans to launch the National Data and Analytics Platform (NDAP), which would give government data in a user-friendly manner and encourage data-driven decision-making and research. The platform, which was conceived in 2020, aims to standardise data across government sources and provide flexible analytics that allow users to easily analyse data using numerous datasets. Key Points:

a)      The platform, according to an AIR correspondent quoting a Senior Adviser at NITI Aayog, will allow policymakers, scholars, and researchers to easily analyse data without having to process it.

b)      At the time of debut, the portal will feature 200 datasets from over 46 ministries.

c)       In the future, new datasets will be uploaded up to the village level. Many government agencies now offer public dashboards with various possibilities.

d)      Many government departments now have public dashboards with data download options; some are provided as image files, while others are in PDF format, making data compilation problematic.

Specific goal behind NDAP:

a)      Policymakers, bureaucrats, researchers, innovators, data scientists, journalists, and people all benefit from data access that is user-friendly and interesting.

b)      Using common geographical and temporal identifiers, many data sets are presented using a uniform format.

c)       Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are in place to guarantee that data is updated on a regular basis.

 

2. SVANidhi se Samriddhi’ phase II launched to shield 28 lakh street vendors: The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has expanded the ‘SVANidhi se Samriddhi’ programme to 126 cities in 14 states and union territories. The program’s implementing partner is the Quality Council of India (QCI). Key Points:

a)      ‘SVANidhi se Samriddhi’ is a PMSVANidhi add-on initiative that began on January 4, 2021 in 125 cities with the goal of mapping the socioeconomic profile of PMSVANidhi participants and their families.

b)      It determines whether or not beneficiaries are eligible for several Central welfare initiatives (8) and promotes links to these programmes.

The programme has two major accomplishments:

a)      One is the creation of a central database of street vendors and their families based on numerous socioeconomic variables.

b)      Second, a first-of-its-kind inter-ministerial convergence platform has been built amongst multiple Central Ministries in order to expand the safety net of welfare schemes to households that work as street vendors.

 

3. Manipur to host the highest Indian national flag at INA complex: Manipur chief minister, N Biren Singh announced that a 165-foot-high Indian national flag, the tallest in the Northeast, would be hoisted at the Indian National Army (INA) headquarters complex in Moirang in Manipur’s Bishnupur district, for which a pole had already been erected. Key Points:

a)      According to Singh, as part of the 100-day action plan, union Home Minister Amit Shah will visit the state and unfurl the Indian national flag.

b)      He was speaking at the INA Martyr’s Memorial Complex in Moirang, 45 kilometres south of Imphal, where the 78th Anniversary of Flag Hoisting Day was observed.

c)       The state government had already purchased land for the construction of the new INA memorial hall and construction work had begun.

d)      Various performers presented cultural programmes such as Dhol-Dholok Cholom and Thang Ta during the observation.

 

4. Vikram Dev Dutt named as Air India Asset Holding CMD: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, approved Vikram Dev Dutt’s appointment as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of Air India Asset Holding (AIAHL), with effect from 27th January 2022, in the rank and pay of Additional Secretary to the Government of India. Prior to this, Dutt was in-charge of Air India as a CMD till the airline was handed over to the Tata Group. Air India Asset Holding (AIAHL) was set up in 2019 by the government for holding debt and non-core assets of the Air India group. The government had on October 8, 2021, announced that the Tata Group won the bid to acquire Air India for Rs 18,000 crore.

 

5. India’s 1st Internet Radio “Radio Aksh” For Visually Challenged Launched In Nagpur: India’s first-ever radio channel for the visually impaired, named ‘Radio Aksh’ has been launched in Nagpur, Maharashtra. Nagpur’s 96-year-old institution, The Blind Relief Association Nagpur (TBRAN) and Samdrushti Kshamata Vikas Avam Anusandhan Mandal (Saksham) are the organisations behind this idea. The channel will be available on various internet radio platforms for free. A dedicated team of trained volunteers, mostly women, help in the creation of content for the radio channel, which can be streamed to the visually impaired across India and the world. The complex, carefully-performed processes of going through large amounts of content, recording, sound editing and making corrections do not dampen the productivity and the sense of servitude guides the entire team.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Agricultural imports from India suspended by Indonesia: Indonesia has stopped imports of agricultural products from India, citing a failure by New Delhi officials to register laboratories that evaluate food safety and issue certificates of analysis (COA), causing worry among cereal exporters. Key Points:

a)      In an order to the head of its Agricultural Quarantine Centre, the Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture stated that its authority to accredited laboratories for testing the safety of fresh food from India and issuing the COA has been revoked.

b)      COAs issued by laboratories indicating that clear exports of fresh food of plant origin were certified in 2019 would not be recognised, according to the Ministry, although certificates issued on or before March 24 will be legitimate.

c)       Indonesian exporters have been notified of the order. The news came after Indonesia issued a notice to exporters requiring them to give extra information to the COA.

d)      The notification was sent three to four months ago by Indonesia.

e)      While countries like Vietnam and Thailand were able to register their laboratories providing COAs well ahead of time, Indian authorities were unable to meet the deadline.

f)        The registration application should be submitted through diplomatic channels. However, the embassy in Jakarta failed to register on time.

 

2. United Nations report suggested COVID plunged 77 million into poverty prior Ukraine war: According to a United Nations report released, the pandemic pushed 77 million additional people into severe poverty last year, and many developing nations are unable to recover due to the heavy cost of loan repayments — and that was before the extra burden of the crisis in Ukraine. Key Points:

a)      According to the research, rich countries might use historic amounts of money borrowed at ultra-low interest rates to help them recover from epidemic slumps.

b)      The poorest countries, on the other hand, spent billions of dollars servicing their debts and faced considerably higher borrowing costs, prohibiting them from investing in education and health care, environmental protection, and inequality reduction.

UN Report:

a)      According to the United Nations, 812 million people lived in severe poverty on $1.90 per day or less in 2019, and by 2021, the figure had climbed to 889 million due to the pandemic.

b)      The report focuses on funding to accomplish the United Nations’ 2030 development goals, which include eradicating poverty, providing high-quality education to all young people, and attaining gender equality.

 

3. UN Chinese Language Day: 20th April: The UN Chinese Language Day is observed on April 20 annually. The day has been chosen to pay tribute to Cangjie, who is a mythical figure who is presumed to have invented Chinese characters about 5,000 years ago.

History of the day: The UN Department of Public Information established the day in 2010 to celebrate multilingualism and cultural diversity as well as promote equal use of all six of its official working languages throughout the organization. The 1st Chinese Language Day was celebrated in 2010 on the 12th of November, but since 2011 the date has been on the 20th of April. The day celebrates multilingualism and cultural diversity as well as promotes equal use of all six of its official working languages throughout the organization.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Danish Open swimming: Sajan Prakash wins gold: Top Indian swimmer Sajan Prakash won the men’s 200m butterfly gold at the Danish Open swimming meet in Copenhagen, Denmark. Competing in his first international meet this year, Prakash stopped the clock at 1.59.27 to stand atop the podium. Earlier, the swimmer from Kerala had clocked 2.03.67 in the heats to qualify for the ‘A’ final. 16-year-old, Vedaant Madhavan bagged the silver medal in the men’s 1500m freestyle event, who is the son of actor R Madhavan clocked 15.57.86 to finish second in the 10-swimmer final. He had won a bronze medal at the Latvia Open in March 2021, and had also impressed at the Junior National Aquatic Championships last year, bagging seven medals — four silver and three bronzes.

 

2. New Zealand pacer Hamish Bennett announced retirement from all forms of cricket: The 35-year-old, New Zealand pacer (fast bowler) Hamish Bennett, has announced his retirement from his 17-year-old cricket career with the 2021/22 season as the last one. Before retiring, Bennett represented New Zealand in T20I against Bangladesh in Mirpur, Pakistan in September 2021. Hamish Bennett made his international debut in October 2010 and represented New Zealand in one Test, 19 One Day International (ODIs) and 11 Twenty-20 Internationals (T20Is). Overall, he picked up 33 wickets in ODIs and 10 wickets in T20Is.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Nexo launched world’s 1st crypto-backed payment card “Nexo Card”: London-based Cryptocurrency lender, Nexo has joined hands with global payments company Mastercard to launch the world’s first “crypto-backed” payment card. Electronic money firm DiPocket is Nexo’s card issuer. The card requires no minimum repayments, monthly, or inactivity fees. There are no FX fees for up to 20,000 euros per month. Interest remains at 0% for customers who maintain a loan-to-value ratio of 20% or below.

This move by crypto and incumbent financial networks forces digital assets to become more mainstream. Initially, the card will be available in selected European countries. There are no restrictions on how much a customer can spend or withdraw from the open credit line and interest is only paid on the amount of credit actually used.

Note: Mastercard Founded: 16 December 1966, United States; Mastercard Headquarters: Purchase, Harrison, New York, United States; Mastercard CEO: Michael Miebach; Mastercard Executive Chairman: Ajay Banga.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Paytm is the official digital payments partner for Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya: Paytm has become an official digital payments partner for the prime ministers’ museum. It is offering its payment gateway, EDC (Electronic Data Capture) machines and QR code payment options to make way for superfast, convenient and secure transactions. The museum, which is a tribute to former Prime Ministers of India, will be opened to the public on April 21, 2022. PM Modi also purchased the first ticket of the museum before its inauguration. The museum is built at a cost of Rs. 271 crores. It is constructed on the site of Teen Murti Estate, which served as the home of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, for 16 years until being converted into the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) following his death.

Note: Paytm Founded: August 2010; Paytm Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India; Paytm CEO: Vijay Shekhar Sharma.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Prabhat Patnaik named for Malcolm Adiseshiah Award 2022: Well-known Indian economist and political commentator, Prabhat Patnaik has been selected for the Malcolm Adiseshiah Award 2022. The award is annually given by the Malcolm and Elizabeth Adiseshiah Trust to an outstanding social scientist selected from nominations received by a specially constituted national jury. The award includes a citation and prize money of Rs 2 lakh. Dr Patnaik has taught at the Centre for Economic Studies and Planning in the School of Social Sciences at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi and was the Vice Chairman of the Kerala State Planning Board.

 

2. AIMA honours Shoojit Sircar with Director of the Year award: Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport and Highways, presented the 2021 AIMA Managing India Awards (AIMA) in multiple categories in Delhi. In the films category, Shoojit Sircar was honoured with the Director of the Year award for Sardar Udham. This year, the 12th edition of the AIMA Managing India Awards is being organised physically, coinciding with the 7th National Leadership Conclave.

About the award: Every year, AIMA presents the Director of the Year award, which recognises an individual “who has exemplified the spirit of filmmaking and created a masterpiece out of it”. As per the description of the award, it is given to those directors “who have created a masterpiece that is pathbreaking and is worth watching over and over again”.

 

3. UDAN scheme selected for PM Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2020: The Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN (UdeDeshkaAamNagrik), the flagship scheme of the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has been selected for Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration 2020 under the category “Innovation (General) – Central”.

About the UDAN Scheme: UDAN scheme emphasizes on Good Governance, Qualitative achievements, and last mile connectivity rather than only on achievement of quantitative targets. In a short span of five years, 415 UDAN routes have connected 66 underserved and unserved airports, including heliports and over 92 lakh people have benefited from it.

Daily GK Update- 19th April, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. (e-NAM) National Agriculture Market Completed 6 years: e-NAM marks the sixth anniversary of the National Agriculture Market (e-NAM), a pan-India electronic trade network. To ease online trade of agricultural commodities, the flagship programme incorporates physical wholesale mandis and markets from several States and Union Territories. The Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium is implementing e-NAM, which was launched on April 14th in 2016 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It is completely funded by the Central Government.

eNAM: The National Agriculture Market (eNAM) is a pan-India electronic trading system that connects the existing APMC mandis to form a unified national agricultural commodities market. Under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare of the Government of India, the Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC) is the key agency for implementing eNAM.

 

2. IIT Guwahati collaborated with NTPC to develop energy efficient tech to capture CO2: The Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati, has teamed up with the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) to design and construct a highly energy-efficient CO2 collection system from power plants. A research team led by Prof. Bishnupada Mandal, Department of Chemical Engineering, IIT Guwahati, developed this indigenous technique, which could be copyrighted soon. Key Points:

a)      The oil, natural gas, and biogas industries, as well as petroleum refineries, will benefit from the project’s outputs. It also has the potential to save India money in terms of foreign exchange.

b)      This project will also assist and strengthen the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through its research and education. This development has the potential to aid in the fight against global warming.

c)       The study’s next phase will entail pilot-plant testing using industrial flue gas.

d)      This method, which uses a newly activated amine solvent (IITGS) to work on flue gas, uses up to 11% less energy than the commercial activated MDEA solvent and up to 31% less energy than the benchmark MEA (Monoethanolamine) solvent. This technology is used in coal and gas-fired power stations to produce modest amounts of food-grade CO2 (compared to CO2 capture in power plants). However, if used for large-scale CO2 capture in power plants, the method is energy-intensive.

e)      IIT Guwahati has devised an amine-based technique for CO2 extraction from flue gas that is both energy-efficient and cost-effective.

 

3. PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates 108 ft tall statue of Lord Hanuman ji in Gujarat: The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi has unveiled a 108 ft statue of Lord Hanuman ji in Morbi, Gujarat, at the Ashram of Bapu Keshvanand ji, via video conferencing, on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti. This statue is the second among the four statues being built in the four directions across the country, as part of the ‘Hanumanji Char Dham’ project.

The first such grand statue of Hanuman Ji was inaugurated in the North in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh in 2010. The statue at Morbi has been set up in the West. The third statue will be set up in the South at Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu. Similarly, the final statue will be established in East in West Bengal.

 

4. Haat” 40th edition organised in Mumbai: Union minister Anurag Thakur will open the 40th edition of “Hunar Haat,” a forum to preserve, protect, and promote local artists and craftsmen.”Hunar Haat” is bolstering Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal for “voice for local” and “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”.

Key Points:

a)      The 40th edition of the project, which was inaugurated by Union Ministers for Information and Broadcasting, Youth Affairs and Sports, will bring together at least 1,000 artisans and craftsmen from across the country.

b)      “Hunar Haat” has offered employment to over 9 lakh artists and craftsmen in just six years, in addition to promoting ancestral arts and crafts even in distant corners of the country.

c)       More than half of these recipients are women.

d)      Women craftsmen make up more than half of the recipients.

e)      Every “Hunar Haat” has an average of 8 to 10 lakh visitors. According to the report, over 4 crore people attended 39 “Hunar Haats” across the country to buy indigenous products, support artisans and craftsmen, and enjoy various musical and cultural programmes.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Israel successfully tests ‘Iron Beam’ new laser-based air defence system: Israel successfully tested a new laser missile-defence system ‘Iron Beam‘ which can destroy any airborne object including drones. Iron Beam is the world’s first energy-based weapons system that uses a laser beam to shoot down incoming UAVs, rockets, mortars, long-range missiles, anti-tank missiles etc. The Iron Beam which is developed by the Rafael Advanced Defense Systems is using a directed-energy weapon system and can go a long way in providing aerial defence.

Iron Beam: Iron Beam works on a fibre laser system to destroy any airborne object. Iron Dome defense system has been a great success, with a 90% interception rate against incoming rocket fire.

Note: Israel Capital: Jerusalem; Israel President: Isaac Herzog; Israel Prime minister: Naftali Bennett; Israel Currency: Israeli Shekel.

 

2. India gets elected in 4 UN ECOSOC Bodies 2022: India has been elected to the United Nations Economic and Social Council’s (ECOSOC) four major bodies, including the Commission on Science and Technology for Development. To the Committee for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Ambassador Preeti Saran has been re-elected. In 2018, she was first elected to the Asia Pacific seat on the UN’s Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights. On 1st January 2019, her first four-year term began. The 4 bodies to which India has been elected:

a)      Commission of Social Development (CSocD): Since the World Summit for Social Development in Copenhagen, the Commission for Social Development (CSocD) has become the key body of the United Nations which is in charge of the follow-up and the implementation of the Copenhagen Declaration and Programme for Action. The purpose of CSocD is to advise ECOSOC on social policies of a general character, and in particular on all the matters in the social field that are not covered by specialized inter-governmental agencies.

b)      Committee on Non-Governmental Organisations: It is a standing Committee of the Economic and Social Council which was established in 1946. The main tasks of the Committee on Non-Governmental Organisations are the consideration of applications for consultative status and requests for reclassification submitted by the non-governmental organisations.

c)       UN Commission on Science and Technology for Development: CSTD is a subsidiary body of the Economic and Social Council which holds an annual intergovernmental forum for the discussion on timely and pertinent issues affecting technology, science, and development. Outcomes of the Commission on Science and Technology for Development include providing the UNGA and ECOSOC with high-level advice on the relevant science and technology issues.

d)      Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights: CESCR is a body of 18 independent experts that monitors the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights by its State Parties. Committee on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights enshrines the rights to adequate food, adequate education, health, housing, water and sanitation, and work.

 

3. World Liver Day: 19th April: World Liver Day is observed on 19 April annually to spread awareness about the causes of liver disease and tips for its prevention so as to take holistic care of the liver. The liver is the second largest and the second most complex organ in the body, after the brain. It performs crucial body functions and is associated with a person’s digestion, immunity, metabolism, and nutrition storage. The liver regulates blood sugar, removes toxic substances from the body, helps blood clot, and controls cholesterol levels.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Odisha CM unveils logo of 2023 Men’s Hockey World Cup: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has unveiled the logo of the 2023 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup at the Kalinga stadium in the capital Bhubaneswar. To be held in the twin cities of Bhubaneswar and Rourkela, the prestigious quadrennial tournament is scheduled from January 13 to 29.

Hockey India and its official partner Odisha will host the marquee event for the second consecutive time in the country after 2018. The 15th edition of the showpiece will be staged in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela, where the country’s largest hockey stadium is being constructed.

 

2. Tamil Nadu beat Punjab in National basketball championship final: Tamil Nadu defeated defending champion Punjab 87-69 in the final to win the men’s title in the 71st Senior National Basketball Championship. The formidable Indian Railways team won the women’s title, beating Telangana 131-82 in convincing fashion, riding on Poonam Chaturvedi’s 26 points.

In the men’s summit clash, Tamil Nadu pulled ahead after a slow start when Punjab kept pace and never looked back. At half-time, the host had widened the lead to 17 with a 50-33 scoreline. An Aravind with 26 points and M Arvind Kumar (21) were in the fine nick for the home team as they stamped their authority against their arch-rival.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. SBI Raises USD 500 Million Via IFSC Gift City Branch: State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest commercial bank, has raised USD 500 million through a three-year syndicated loan facility, via its International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) Gujarat International Finance Tec (GIFT) City branch. The facility is worth USD 400 million, with a USD 100 million greenshoe option. SBI, on the other hand, did not provide pricing information. The SBI’s Gift City branch has raised its first offshore USD Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) linked syndicated loan.

Key Points:

a)      With this, SBI has taken another major step in promoting IFSC Gift City as an international financial hub, with its Gift City branch becoming the largest in the IFSC.

b)      The substantial footprint SBI has established in offshore financial markets has facilitated the successful execution of syndicated loans at such fine pricing.

c)       The joint lenders of the offering are MUFG, Bank of America, and JP Morgan, with First Abu Dhabi Bank serving as the facility agent.

Note: SBI Chairman: Dinesh Kumar Khara; SBI Establishment: 1955; SBI Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. Three General Insurance Companies’ Share Capital Increased By the Government: Three public sector general insurance businesses – National Insurance Company Limited, Oriental Insurance Company Limited, and United India Insurance Company – have had their authorised share capital increased by the government. This will allow for a capital inflow of Rs. 5,000 crore into these businesses. Key Points:

a)      The permitted capital for National Insurance will now be 15,000 crore (1,500 crore shares with a face value of 10 apiece), up from the current 7,500 crore, according to a notification released by the Finance Ministry (1,500 crore shares with a face value of ten each).

b)      Oriental Insurance would have a market capitalization of 7,500 crore (750 crore shares with a face value of ten rupees each), up from 5,000 crore (500 crore shares with a face value of ten rupees each).

c)       United India Insurance’s permitted capital has been increased to Rs 7,500 crore.

d)      United India Insurance’s authorised capital has been raised from 5,000 crore (500 crore shares with a face value of 10) to 7,500 crore (750 crore shares with a face value of 10).

e)      Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced in her FY 2018-19 Budget speech that three public sector general insurance companies, National Insurance Company Ltd., United India Assurance Company Limited, and Oriental India Insurance Company Limited, would be merged into a single insurance entity and then listed.

 

2. Microsoft and BPCL collaborated to step up digital transformation: Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL), an Indian oil refinery, has teamed with Microsoft to improve its customer experience. It will also integrate cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) to help the oil and gas business adapt digitally. Microsoft will supply BPCL with infrastructure-as-a-service, platform-as-a-service, and cloud network and security services over the course of the seven-year partnership. Key Points:

a)      BPCL plans to employ Microsoft’s secure cloud platform to accelerate its cloud transformation, create smarter supply chains, and improve customer engagement. BPCL will also make use of Microsoft Teams and other productivity tools to improve employee communication.

b)      The two companies will work together to create a digital experience for BPCL consumers, reaffirm BPCL’s brand promise of quality and trust, and develop Urja, a conversational AI platform that will provide 24/7 customer care.

c)       Microsoft has been an indisputable worldwide leader in technology.

d)      Important takeaways for all competitive exams:

Note: Microsoft: Founders: Bill Gates, Paul Allen; CEO: Satya Nadella; Headquarters: Redmond, Washington, United States

Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited: Headquarters: Mumbai; Founded: 1952

 

OBITUARIES

 

1. Veteran television producer & actor Manju Singh passes away: Veteran Hindi television presenter and actor, Manju Singh has passed away due to cardiac arrest. She was one of the pioneers in the Indian television industry and was fondly remembered as didi. She was the anchor of the children’s program, Khel Khilone for 7 years. She started her career as a television producer in 1983 with the Show theme, 1st sponsored show on Indian Television. From 1984 onwards, Ek Kahani, prime a time series based on literary shorts.

Daily GK Update- 18th April, 2022

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. PM Modi Dedicates K. K. Patel Super Speciality Hospital in Bhuj: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dedicated to the nation, a 200-bed KK Patel Super Speciality Hospital in Bhuj in the Kutch district of Gujarat, via video-conferencing. This hospital has been built by Shree Kutchi Leva Patel Samaj, Bhuj and is the first charitable super speciality hospital in the Kutch region. It will guarantee quality medical treatment for the people of Kutch including lakhs of soldiers, par military personnel and traders. This initiative is in line with the policy of the Central government to set up at least one medical college in every district of the country so that India gets a record number of doctors in the next 10 years.

 

2. ‘SVANidhi se Samriddhi’ introduced by MoHUA: In the presence of senior officials from States/UTs and several Central Ministries, Shri Manoj Joshi, Secretary, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), launched the ‘SVANidhi se Samriddhi’ programme in an additional 126 cities across 14 States/UTs. Key Points:

a)      PMSVANidhi’s extra initiative, ‘SVANidhi se Samriddhi,‘ was launched in 125 cities in Phase 1 in 2021, covering around 35 lakh street vendors and their families. They have been given 22.5 lakh scheme sanctions, which include 16 lakh insurance benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jeeban Jyoti Yojana, and 2.7 lakh pension benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana, among other things.

b)      Due to the success of Phase I, the MoHUA has expanded the programme to 126 cities, with the goal of covering 28 lakh street vendors and their families, with a total target of 20 lakh plan sanctions for FY 2022-23. The remaining cities would be added to the programme over time.

c)       Since June 1, 2020, MoHUA has been implementing the Prime Minister Street Vendors AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi), a Central Sector Scheme. The scheme, which aims to provide a low-cost working capital loan to street vendors, has already reached the 30-lakh milestone.

d)      The initiative, as envisioned by the Honourable Prime Minister, aims to not only provide loans to street sellers, but also to help them develop holistically and economically. With this in mind, the ‘SVANidhi se Samriddhi’ programme was established to provide social security benefits to street sellers in order to promote their holistic development and socioeconomic upliftment.

Note: Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs: Hardeep Singh Puri; Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana; Pradhan Mantri Jeeban Jyoti Yojana; Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana,

 

3. World Bank and AIIB approves Rs 7,500 Cr Loan for Gujarat Govt’s ‘Mission School Of Excellence’ Project: The Government of Gujarat has launched a project named ‘Mission School of Excellence’, that aims to improve the quality of education in all the government and grant-in-aid schools in the state. The project will cover all 35,133 government and 5,847 grant-in-aid schools in the state. Under the project, the state government will spend Rs 10,000 crore in the next five years. To support the Gujarat Government, the World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) have approved a loan of Rs 7,500 crore for the ambitious project.

 

4. IAF Ties Up with IIT Madras to Develop Solutions to Maintain Weapon Systems: The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras have signed a memorandum of understanding for technology development and finding indigenous solutions for the sustenance of various weapon systems. The joint partnership between IAF and IIT Madras aims to accelerate IAF’s indigenisation efforts for achieving ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. IIT Madras in partnership with IAF will significantly contribute to indigenisation efforts by Base Repair Depots (BRDs) of Maintenance Command IAF, towards enhancing sustenance capability, obsolescence management and achieving ‘Self Reliance’. Under the MoU:

a)      IAF has identified key focus areas involving technology development and finding indigenous solutions towards the sustenance of various weapon systems. IIT Madras will provide consultancy duly supported by research for feasibility studies and prototype development.

b)      The MoU was signed by Air Commodore S Bahuja, Command Engineering Officer (Systems), Headquarters Maintenance Command, IAF and Professor HSN Murthy, Head of Department Aerospace Engineering IIT Madras, at Air Force Station, Tughlakabad, Delhi.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 20th India-France Joint Staff Talks Took Place in Paris: The 20th edition of the India-France Joint Staff talks focused on new initiatives within the framework of the existing bilateral defence cooperation mechanism, as well as improving current defence engagements. The two-day talks took place in a nice, warm, and courteous setting in Paris. The Joint Staff Consultations between India and France are a forum intended to improve defence cooperation between the two countries through frequent talks at the operational and strategic levels.

Key Points of India-France Joint Staff Talks:

a)      The 20th edition of Joint Talks between India and France ended with the goal of actively enhancing defence cooperation.

b)      The two-day meetings focused on new projects that come under the existing bilateral defence cooperation umbrella, as well as the enhancement of ongoing defence engagements between the two countries.

c)       The India-France Joint Staff Forum was established with the goal of improving strategic and operational defence cooperation between the two countries.

d)      India and France have agreed on a blueprint for the blue economy and ocean governance.

e)      The 20th edition of the India-France Joint Talks took place in the midst of both countries signing a roadmap to improve bilateral blue economy exchanges, forge a common vision of ocean governance based on the rule of law, and collaborate on sustainable and resilient coastal and waterways infrastructure.

f)        The sides will strive toward ocean governance, particularly through coordination in relevant international organisations, to ensure the sustainable use of marine resources.

Note: India’s External Affairs Minister: Dr. S Jaishankar; Chief of the Army Staff: General Manoj Mukund Naravane.

 

2. World Heritage Day: 18th April: Every year on April 18, the United Nations commemorates World Heritage Day. The Day is observed to preserve the human heritage and recognize the efforts of the organizations working for it. Monuments and ancient buildings are an asset to the world. They make for the rich heritage of the nation. Since 1983, the International Council on Monuments and Sites has set a theme around which events are centred on the day. The theme for World Heritage Day 2022 is “Heritage and Climate”.

History of the day: The International Day for Monuments and Sites was proposed by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) on 18 April 1982 and approved by the General Assembly of UNESCO in 1983. The aim is to promote awareness about the diversity of cultural heritage of humanity, their vulnerability and the efforts required for their protection and conservation. Later in 1983, UNESCO adopted the idea during the 22nd General Conference. In order to restore and conserve historical cities, and dying ancient tribes, World Heritage Day is being observed. The day also sheds light on history.

Note: UNESCO formation: 4 November 1946; UNESCO Headquarters: Paris, France; UNESCO Director-General: Audrey Azoulay;

Headquarters of International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS): Paris, France; International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) Founded: 1965; President of International Council on Monuments and Sites: Toshiyuki Kono.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

 

SPORTS

 

1. Orleans Masters 2022: Indian Shuttler Mithun Manjunath Won Silver: Indian shuttler Mithun Manjunath has won silver in Men’s Singles at the Orléans Masters 2022, a badminton tournament held from 29th March to 3rd April 2022 in Orleans, France. Playing in his maiden BWF final, the 79th ranked Indian shuttler lost 11-21, 19-21 to world number 32 Frenchman Toma Junior Popov at the Palais des Sports Arena. The women’s doubles pair of Ashwini Bhat and Shikha Gautam has won the bronze in the Women’s doubles at the tournament.

 

2. India will host Street Child Cricket World Cup in 2023: India is ready to host the Street Child Cricket World Cup in 2023. This world is organized by Street Child United and Save the Children India, the Street Child Cricket World Cup 2023 will welcome 22 teams from 16 countries to India next year. The Street Child Cricket World Cup 2023 will welcome 22 teams from 16 countries to India next year.

Countries that will participate this year are Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Burundi, England, Hungary, Mauritius, Mexico, Nepal, Rwanda, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe. In addition to the partnership between Street Child United and Save the Children the SCCWC 2023 will also collaborate with World Bank, ICC and the British High Commission.

 

BUSINESS AND ECONOMY

 

1. World Bank Slashes India’s GDP Growth Forecast for FY22-23 to 8 Percent: The World Bank has slashed the GDP growth forecast for India in FY2022/23 to 8 per cent in its bi-annual “South Asia Economic Focus” report, due to the negative impact of the war in Ukraine on FY23 growth. Earlier in January 2022, the growth forecast for FY23 was estimated at 8.7 per cent.

Reasons:

a)      The World Bank said a further escalation in the war in Ukraine could scare investors in emerging market securities and debt instruments and lead to a capital flight from South Asia to “safe havens” in the West.

b)      Foreign investors have already been exiting India’s financial market since October 2021, due to the impending monetary tightening by the US Federal Reserve. Recent developments in Eastern Europe have intensified the capital outflow, weakening the Indian rupee (INR).

c)       Maintaining macroeconomic stability through prudent and transparent policies will be important also if the Indian government turns to domestic borrowing.

 

2. Union Government crosses its asset monetization target for FY22: According to the evaluation made at a high-level review meeting, the central government has exceeded its asset monetization target of 88,000 crore for FY22 and has concluded agreements worth 96,000 crore. Roads, power, and coal and mineral mining are among the industries that have made significant contributions to asset monetisation. The Centre has set an asset monetisation target of over 1.6 trillion dollars for FY23, for which proposals from various ministries are in various stages of processing. Key Points:

a)      Prominent investors who purchased assets in FY22 include CPP Investments, Ontario Teachers Pension Plan, and Utilico Emerging Markets Trust Plc. At the time of publication, emails made to these investors evening had gone unanswered.

b)      When the final data are in, the total asset sale in FY22 could reach $1 trillion. Senior officials from the finance and infrastructure ministries, as well as the NITI Aayog, attended the meeting, which was headed by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.

c)       Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman outlined the asset monetisation plan in her union budget for FY22 as a major financing alternative for developing new infrastructure assets.

d)      The strategy included a pipeline of assets totaling $6 trillion that would be monetised over a four-year period until FY25. As asset acquirers borrow loans and expand their operations, the government anticipates the asset sale completed in FY22 to result in additional $9 trillion in cumulative investments.

e)      The goal is to crowd in private infrastructure investments, which are a critical part of the government’s economic recovery strategy.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. New Zealand Cricket Awards 2022 announced: New Zealand announced awards for Men and Women’s cricketers. New Zealand speedster Trent Boult and White Ferns skipper Sophie Devine won the ‘T20 International Player of the Year’ in the recently announced New Zealand Cricket Awards 2022.

Other category awards announced are given below:

Women’s Super Smash Player of the Year: Amelia Kerr (Wellington Blaze)

Men’s Super Smash Player of the Year: Michael Bracewell (Wellington Firebirds)

Fan Moment of the Summer: Ross Taylor’s final wicket in his last Test

International Women’s ODI Player of the Year: Amelia Kerr (Wellington Blaze).

International Men’s ODI Player of the Year: Will Young (Central Stags).

Redpath Cup for first-class batting: Devon Conway (Wellington Firebirds).

Ruth Martin Cup for women’s domestic batting: Suzie Bates (Otago Sparks).

Winsor Cup for first-class bowling: Tim Southee (Northern Districts).

Phyl Blackler Cup for women’s domestic bowling: Eden Carson (Otago Sparks).

New Zealand Umpire of the Year: Chris Gaffaney.

 

2. Vice President Venkaiah Naidu presents International Gandhi Award for Leprosy, 2021: Vice President of India M. Venkaiah Naidu has presented the International Gandhi Awards for Leprosy, 2021 to Dr Bhushan Kumar of Chandigarh under the Indian nomination (individual) category and Sahyog Kushtha Yagna Trust, Gujarat under the institutional category. The award was given during a function in New Delhi on April 13, 2022. Sahyog Kushtha Yagna Trust and Dr. Bhushan Kumar have been working round the clock to raise awareness regarding leprosy and the care that can be provided to those afflicted with this disease. They have also been working to remove the social stigmas that are associated with this disease.

About the International Gandhi Awards for Leprosy award: The annual award has been instituted by Gandhi Memorial Leprosy Foundation to recognise the work of individuals and organisations who have worked tirelessly to fight this disease and the prejudices associated with it. The award commemorates the compassion that Gandhiji possessed and the service he rendered toward people afflicted with leprosy.